Evaluation of buffalo colostrum quality by estimation of enzyme activity levels.

ABSTRACT

A study to evaluate the value and potential use of colostral enzymes as markers for the evaluation of buffalo colostrum quality was conducted. The enzymes gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in buffalo's colostrum were measured spectrophotometrically, and their activities were correlated with the gamma-globulin content. Gamma-globulin concentration was determined following the electrophoretic separation of the colostral proteins and quantified with a densitometer. Colostrum was obtained from 15 dams, soon after calving. Means, standard deviations, correlation coefficients, and degree of significance were calculated using the general linear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis Systems program. The activity of GGT in the colostrum was the highest, followed by LDH and ALP. A significant correlation (r = 0.86; P < 0.001) was seen between GGT and gamma-globulin concentration in the colostrum, supporting the suggestion of using this enzyme as a marker for the evaluation of colostrum quality.